Customs House, Quay Street, Stornoway, Lewis

Probably 1820-40. Piend-roofed 2-storey 3-bay villa-type building, in use as a Customs House by the 19th century (now harbour office-1991) for which purpose it was perhaps first built. Painted ashlar margins and rusticated quoins, modern dry-dash synthetic slate roof. Front elevation (to west) is a little unusual, 1st floor windows substantially taller than those at ground with cills close to floor level (which may indicate an at least partial office use from the outset); centre doorway (panelled door with fanlight) behind porch which is supported on pair of elongated Doric columns, cast-iron balustrade over centre 1st floor window in rusticated surround (cf. 'Cromwell's'). Plate glass sashes, astragalled/margined near 1st floor lintels only. Pair piended attic dormers with 4-pane glazing, also sash and case; massive end stacks. Interior retains some original cornice plasterwork with Greek revival detailing.